Multi-functional leash with security function

ABSTRACT

A multi-function leash system incorporating anti-theft features is provided. The leash system includes a leash portion and a harness connectable to the leash portion. The leash portion includes an elongate leash, the elongate leash including at one end an attachment component, and at the other end a handle, wherein the handle is formed to be achieve a locked position in which the handle forms a closed loop, and an open position in which the handle is open at one end, and is operable to be wrapped around a fixed article, and then locked around the fixed article. The harness is formed to put on a pet, wherein the harness is adjustable to achieve a snug fit relative to the pet&#39;s body using one or more adjustable elements, wherein the harness is formed so that once the harness has been locked on the pet, and attached to the leash portion, the harness is difficult to remove from the pet&#39;s body. The pet is safe from theft when the harness is locked on the pet, the harness is connected to the attachment component, and the handle loop is looped around the fixed article suitable for fixing the system, and the handle is placed in the locked position.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/653,072, filed on May 30, 2012,the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to dog leashes. More particularly this inventionrelates to multi-functional dog leashes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various dog leash products exist, including multi-functional dogleashes. The main function of conventional dog leashes is to keep dogsand other pets within a specific distance of the owner. Some leashes aredesigned to maintain the pet within a distance defined by the length ofthe leash by holding a handle at one end of the leash, and also enablethe owner to secure his/her pet to a fixed article such as a lamp postor parking meter to prevent the dog from escaping.

Few if any leashes, however, are designed to prevent theft of a pet.With dogs as an example, in order to run errands for example it is oftennecessary to leave the dog outside of a place of business that does notpermit entry with dogs or other pets. This is when theft of dogs occurs.Some examples of when theft of a pet (especially dog) can occur: (a)when buying groceries, (b) when using the wash room, (c) stops at aconvenience store, (d) while banking, (e) buying a coffee, (f) renting amovie, (g) leaving a dog in a backyard, (h) playing with children at thepark, or (i) emergency situations.

Pet theft has become a significant problem. Pet theft increased in theUnited States in 2011 by 49% from the previous year, thus creating aneed for safety and security related products. It is often said that apet is a family member, and indeed when a pet is stolen this can be atraumatic event accompanied with a sense of emotional loss and loss ofproperty. Part of what is driving theft of dogs is the significantresale value that can be obtained for dogs, and especially specificbreeds. Also, more costly breeds are becoming more popular because ofthe overall increase in the amounts spent by pet owner in buying theirpets.

There is a need for a leash device that minimizes the risk of theft.

As with all pet products, it is important to ensure that the productremains safe for use by the pet, and that it promotes the health of thepet.

Also, leashes are usually used when walking a pet. Walking pets raisesthe need of other possible functions such as storage and dispensing oflitter bags, flashlights etc. While multi-function leash devicesincorporating such features are known, these have generally not includeda functional design. There is a need for a leash device that addressesthe risk of theft and also incorporates other useful features as part ofa multi-functional leash device.

It is noted that the inventors are unaware of any multi-functional leashdevice that incorporates theft protection features.

It should be understood that in key markets, the number of pet owners isincreasing, and more significantly the amount of money that people arewilling to spend on useful products directed at living with pets is alsoincreasing significantly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

A multi-function leash system incorporating anti-theft features isprovided.

In one aspect of the invention, a leash system incorporating anti-theftfeatures is provided comprising: (A) a leash portion, including anelongate leash, the elongate leash including at one end an attachmentcomponent, and at the other end a handle, wherein the handle is formedto achieve a locked position in which the handle forms a closed loop,and an open position in which the handle is open at one end, and isoperable to be wrapped around a fixed article, and then locked aroundthe fixed article; and (B) a harness formed to put on a pet, wherein theharness is adjustable to achieve a snug fit relative to the pet's bodyusing one or more adjustable elements, wherein the harness is formed sothat once the harness has been put on the pet, and attached to the leashportion, the harness is difficult to remove from the pet's body; whereinthe pet is safe from theft when the harness is put on the pet, theharness is connected and locked to the attachment component, and thehandle loop is looped around the fixed article and placed in the lockedposition.

In another aspect, the handle includes a handle body, and the handleincludes a loop portion that is fixed at one end to the handle body andopen at the second end but lockable to the handle body by means of alock integral to the handle.

In another aspect, the lock can be a combination lock or a key lock.

In another aspect, the loop portion can be looped around the fixedarticle and the open end of the loop portion is locked to the handlebody so as to achieve the locked position of the handle.

In a still other aspect, the harness includes a bottom portion that iswrapped under the belly of the pet, and a top portion connected to thebottom portion by means of two or more straps that are adjustable suchthat the bottom portion and top portion are fitted around the torso ofthe pet, wherein the harness includes one or more metal loops that areled through an opening in the top portion, and once the leash portion isattached to the harness, the metal loops cannot be led through theopening again, thereby preventing removal of the harness from the petwhen the leash portion is attached to the harness.

In a still other aspect, the harness further includes a rigid portionthat prevents the removal of the harness by sliding the harness andattempting to push a leg of the pet through an opening defined by one ofthe straps that wrap around a leg of the pet.

In another aspect of the invention, the handle defines a handle body,and the handle body includes a receptacle, a door that opens to thereceptacle, and a slot, wherein the receptacle receives a roll of refusebags, wherein the door may be closed to enclose the roll within thehandle body, and one end of the roll may be inserted through the slotfor access to the bags from the outside.

In a still other aspect of the invention, the handle body incorporates alight device and light switch that may be turned on by a user.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the harness includes a lightdevice for pet safety.

In another aspect of the invention, the loop and the leash portion eachinclude a cable to resist cutting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects of the inventionwill become apparent when consideration is given to the followingdetailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to theannexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a representation of the leash system of the present inventionin use;

FIG. 2 a is a representative view of the handle portion of the leash ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 b is a representative view of the handle portion of the leash, inan another possible embodiment thereof;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate two different exploded views of the handleportion of the leash of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an outside view of the handle portion of the leash of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the handle portion of the leash of thepresent invention, showing the refuse bag receptacle, with thereceptacle door in an open position;

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show different embodiments of the present invention,having different lock mechanisms;

FIG. 7 is a view of the leash portion, in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the leash portion, in one embodimentthereof;

FIG. 9 is a view of the harness, illustrating attachment of the leash tothe harness, in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 10 a shows a perspective view of the harness portion, in oneembodiment thereof;

FIG. 10 b illustrates an exploded view of the harness portion, in oneembodiment thereof;

FIGS. 10 c and 10 d illustrate the LED design;

FIG. 10 e further illustrates the harness, in one embodiment thereof;

FIGS. 10 f and 10 g show an alternate embodiment of the harness;

FIG. 10 h illustrates the harness being assembled by a user, in oneembodiment thereof;

FIG. 11 a illustrates the harness being mounted on a dog;

FIG. 11 b further illustrates the harness being mounted on a dog;

FIG. 12 a illustrates the attachment of the leash to the harness, usingthe carabineer at the end of the harness portion;

FIGS. 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, and 12 e show a possible carabineer design ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 12 f and 12 g show an alternative carabineer design of the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 12 h and 12 i show a conventional carabineer design.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way ofexample. It is to be expressly understood that the description anddrawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid tounderstanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention consists of multi-purpose leash system withanti-theft design features. As explained earlier, theft of pets andespecially dogs is a growing problem. Moreover the fear of theft is formany owners interferes with their lifestyle and causes inconvenience inthat they are reluctant to both walk their pet and also do errands byattaching their pet outside to a pole or other street fixture. Othertimes or other owners leave their pets outside of a store or bank forexample, but are worried that their pet may be stolen. And in the caseswhere dog theft occurs, the loss of a pet is the loss of a familymember.

The leash system of the present invention includes a number of featuresthat cooperate to provide an easy to use system that includes importantanti-theft features. In another aspect of the invention, a number ofadditional, convenient features have been added to the system to providea multi-function leash system that provides significant convenience tousers.

The leash system includes three portions: a handle portion or handle(12), a harness portion or harness (14), and a leash portion or leash(16) that is disposed between the handle (12) and the harness (14). Theoverall leash system can be understood by referencing FIG. 1. The handle(12) generally includes a body and a loop portion, and as shown in FIG.1, the body and the loop in one aspect may be sized to enable an ownerto place his/her hand through the loop and hold on to the body, for afirm grip.

FIG. 2 a is a representative view of the handle portion (12) of theleash of the present invention, in one aspect thereof. FIG. 2 a showsthat the loop portion is designed to be fixed at one end and open at thesecond end but lockable to the adjacent area of the body of the handle,using a suitable lock system. FIG. 2 a shows an embodiment with a keylock, and FIG. 2 b shows an embodiment with an integrated combinationlock.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b in an exploded view show the interior of theconstruction of the handle portion (12), including the means for fixingthe first end to the body of the handle permanently, and also theshaping of the body adjacent to second end to receive the locking pin.

In one particular embodiment, the lock system may include a latchmechanism that is formed to achieve two positions, a first open positionin which the locking pin may be inserted within an opening formed by thelatch mechanism, and a second closed position in which if the lockingpin has been inserted, the latch mechanism surrounds the locking pin andblocks its removal from the opening.

The lock system may include a variety of different mechanisms enabling auser to lock/unlock the lock system. For example FIGS. 6 a and 6 billustrate two possible embodiments of the invention, each having adifferent mechanism for locking/unlocking the lock device. FIG. 6 ashows a combination lock (20) integrated into the handle body. FIG. 6 bshows a key hole (22) for receiving a key integrated into the handlebody.

Generally speaking, in one embodiment of the present invention, the lockdevice used is similar to that of a bicycle lock. It should beunderstood that various other mechanisms for locking/unlocking the lockdevice are possible. Also it should be understood that various otherlock types are possible, and the invention is not limited to alatch/catch pin type lock.

Other Possible Features of the Handle

The handle (12) may include other useful features. For example, as shownin FIG. 5, the handle body may include a receptacle (18) that is formedto receive a roll of refuse bags. The roll may be inserted through adoor, which can be closed/clicked so as to remain in a closed position.As can be seen in FIG. 5, the handle body is also formed to include anopening or slot from which the end of the roll of refuse bags may bepassed through so as to make the refuse bags accessible from theoutside, once the door has been closed. Various mechanisms may be usedto enable the door to be opened and closed such as a latch for example.Also an edge portion such as a serrated edge may be mounted adjacent tothe slot so as to facilitate the tearing off of the refuse bags, one byone.

In addition as shown in FIG. 1, the handle body may integrate aflashlight, which may be activated by the user so as to improvevisibility for example at night, and also for the safety of the user. Avariety of suitable lighting technologies may be used an integrated withthe handle body. The flashlight on the leash handle allows pet refuse tobe found at night. The flashlight in the handle body may be implementedusing an LED or incandescent bulb. It may be used for example to locatethe pet at night when the pet is off leash for example.

Leash

One embodiment of the leash is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7illustrates a leash (16) that may be adjustable and also wraps aroundfor example a bar fixed to the handle at one end, and includes a ring(24) for connecting to a carabineer for example at the other end.Various materials may be used for the leash, provided that it makes itdifficult to cut the leash which would circumvent the security featuresof the leash system. In FIG. 8, a cross-section of the leash is shown,and it includes a cable inside the material used to form the leash,which make cutting of the leash difficult. Various other embodiments ofthe leash are possible.

For example, wire may be sewn in to edges of a strap forming the leashin order to prevent cutting and thereby theft.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the leash adjusts from ashort length of 2′ for example while a pet is locked or as a trainingtool. The leash may also adjust to a longer length of 8′ for examplewhile a dog is locked up in the backyard or being walked at a fartherdistance from its owner or caregiver.

The leash (16) may include for example a strip of reflective materialboth to hide seams and also improve visibility. One or more sliders maybe included to provide adjustability. One on more rigid rivets may beaffixed to the leash (16) in order allow sliders to be used to maintainthe leash in a particular adjusted position by means of friction, whileallowing with force to slide the sliders over the rivets to furtheradjust the leash (16).

Harness

As shown in FIG. 9, the harness (14) is worn by a pet, and includes apart that enables the connection/disconnection of the leash to/from theharness. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, one or moremetal loops or rings (28) are integrated with the harness (14), whichenables the connection of the leash (16) to the loops using a carabineer(30) for example. The harness (14) may be made of a material that isresistant to cutting and tearing, and the rings (28) are integrated withthis material so as to resist removal.

Significantly, the harness (14) may incorporate features that enable theharness (14) to be put on the pet relatively easily by the owner orcaregiver, and once the leash (16) is connected to the harness (14),removal of the harness from the pet is not possible without tools andthe exercise of significant force. More details regarding a particularembodiment of the harness are provided below.

FIG. 10 a illustrates a possible embodiment of the harness (14). FIG. 10b illustrates, in a deconstructed view of the layers and elements of theharness (14), in one embodiment thereof. Significantly, in one possibleembodiment of the invention, the harness (14) includes straps foradjusting the harness (14) for a snug but comfortable fit around thetorso of the pet. The harness (14), once put on the pet as shown in FIG.9, wraps around the chest or belly and also below the neck, thereby oncethe harness (14) is in the fixed position, the dog cannot be removedfrom the harness (14), for example by manipulating his/her legs to bepulled through the harness (14). The snug fit of the harness (14) on thepet is an important mechanism for achieving this fixed position. Also,the straps used to adjust the harness (14) to achieve this snugposition, as shown in FIG. 10 b are integrated within the harness suchthat they are accessible when the harness is in the open position, butare not accessible when the harness is in the fixed position. This way aperson seeking to remove or steal a pet cannot used the adjustablestraps for this purpose. Another aspect of the fixed position achievableusing the harness (14) is that, in one embodiment of the invention, theD-rings (28) shown in FIG. 10 a need to be removed in order to enablethe harness (14) to be removed from the pet. This of course is notpossible when the leash is attached to the rings using for example thecarabineer. This is feature therefore is another aspect of the securefunction of the leash system.

It should be understood that the fixed position also prevents the dogfrom escaping, including for its own protection.

FIG. 10 e shows the harness (14) in a bottom view, in one embodimentthereof. FIG. 10 e shows a criss-cross configuration of the harness(14), which is placed as shown in FIG. 10 e under a pet's body, and thenthe adjustable straps are used for adjustment to a tight but comfortablefit.

In a possible alternate embodiment of the harness, as shown in FIGS. 10f and 10 g, the harness (14) may be made of a bottom portion and twoseparate loops that connect to the bottom portion, namely a first strapforming a loop for a dog's neck, and a second strap forming a loop forthe dog's girth, thereby allowing for independent adjustment for exampleusing one or more VELCRO™ tabs. Alternate embodiments are possible.

FIG. 10 h illustrates the adjustment of the straps to enable the snugfit, and then the strap is tucked away in the slot that is shown in FIG.10 e.

FIG. 11 a shows that the end of the strap has a connector and the ringthat fits through the opening in the top of the harness (14). Theconnector is connected to a corresponding component and the top, andtucked away inside the harness, and the ring is fitted through theopening, as shown in FIG. 11 b. Thus, when the ring is connected to thecarabineer and cannot be removed through the opening, the dog cannot beremoved from the harness (14) using the area shown in this drawing.These components, and the method of installation of the harness shown,are repeated for the other side of the pet.

Various elements may be included in the structure of the harness so asto further prevent theft. In one aspect, using force a thief may attemptto pull a dog's leg up parallel with its body and push its shoulderthrough the strap. This requires the whole harness to be folded forward.In one aspect, the harness includes a shank or some other portion ofrigid material that is integrated with the harness and prevents theharness from being folded forward, thereby further preventingcircumvention of the anti-theft features. For example, FIG. 10 e showsan exploded view of the harness, and several possible layers ofmaterial. One layer may include a rigid shank layer, as an example ofthe implementation of this aspect.

In a possible alternate embodiment, as previously mentioned, the harness(14) may also include steel to make cutting off the harness (14) moredifficult, thereby increasing theft resistance.

FIG. 12 a illustrates the attachment of the leash to the harness, usingthe carabineer (24) at the end of the harness portion.

FIGS. 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, and 12 e show views of a possible carabineer(30) design, in this case a custom carabineer of the present invention.A swiveling connection may be included to connect to the harness (14).The carabineer shown includes a thumb activated latch for easy use.

FIGS. 12 f and 12 g show alternative views of the carabineer (30)design. FIGS. 12 h and 12 i illustrate conventional carabineers (30),which may also be used with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, and also in FIG. 9, the harness may also include alight in order to ensure that the pet is visible in the dark, thusimproving pet safety (for example enabling drivers, pedestrians orbikers to see the pet. The light integrated with the harness enables theowners to locate the pet for example when the pet is off leash. Theharness may include a light activation button to improve visibility ofthe pet in the dark, in order to improve safety. The harness may be madeof a variety of materials, and may include for example a breathable airmesh for improved comfort for the pet. The harness may integrate a steelring that is strong and bears the force of a dog pulling on the leash.The harness may also include reflective trim to improve visibility. Theharness may include one or more rivets or snaps to attach coats to theharness for cold weather.

In another alternative, the harness may include a portion that receivesa light that may be mounted on the harness or removed from the harness.

For example when walking a pet, or running with a pet when it is dark orgetting dark. FIGS. 10 c and 10 d illustrate a particular lightstructure (26) that can be integrated with the harness. In particular,FIGS. 10 c and 10 d show a particular structure for an LED housing thatmay be integrated with the design. The box-like segment on the bottomopens for access to one or more batteries (for example 3V lithiumbatteries). The housing may be made of clear plastic so that the LEDlight is visible. The blue shape is a push button to activate the LED.The housing stays integrated with the harness because the undercut(groove) in the middle is “hugged” by the harness fabric which has aslot big enough to pass the upper portion of the housing up through it.The two halves of the housing are secured with screws to allow forbattery replacement.

It should be understood that the harness may be sized and madeadjustable for different sized pets, including for example dogs ofvarious different girths.

It should be understood that the present invention is refers mainly tothe use of the leash device for dogs, however, it should be understoodthat the invention may be used, or adapted for use, for a variety ofother living beings including pets, where use of a leash may bedesirable.

The handle may incorporate a flashlight, as previously mentioned, whichmay be engaged using a button disposed on the outside of the handle,such as a thermoplastic elastomer button that engages a switch boardunderneath to turn on the light.

Advantages

The leash system of the present invention provided enhanced securityfeatures that enable for example a pet owner to lock the leash to apole, tree, fence or sign, in a way that cannot be undone without theapplicable key and/or combination.

The handle is easy to open, and fasten, and then lock.

Having steel cabling running though out the leash, and also through thehandle makes it difficult to cut and harness makes it will make itextremely difficult to cut with a knife or scissors.

Other leash systems exist that may include security features but thesecan be circumvented with relative ease.

The present invention by combining a specially designed harness with theleash improves on the state of the art.

The leash system is easy to use.

The leash system provides peace of mind and allows pet owners to leavetheir pets with confidence, thus improving the safety of pets, and thelifestyle of both pets and owners as there is more time to walk for theowner and for the pet, as the leash system permits multi-tasking bycombining walks with pets with running errands. Before the presentinvention, many dog owners could not combine errands with walking theirpet. In effect, the present invention provides more time to be activewith one's pet.

The leash system is durable and easy to manufacture.

It includes other design features as described above, such as theintegrated light and refuse bag receptacle to improve dog and ownersafety, and also owner convenience.

Alternate Embodiments

Numerous extensions to the functionality of the apparatus are possible,without departing from the core design elements that provide the new andinnovative elements of the present invention. It should be understoodthat different materials may be used to provide various components,including the leash portion. Various suitable light devices may be used.Various lock mechanisms may be used. The harness structure may bemodified while maintaining its key function of difficulty of removal.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variationsof the embodiments described herein may also be practiced withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Other modifications aretherefore possible.

We claim:
 1. A leash system incorporating anti-theft features,comprising: (a) a leash portion, including an elongate leash, theelongate leash including at one end an attachment component, and at theother end a handle, the handle defining a handle body, the handle bodyincluding a receptacle, a door that opens to the receptacle, and a slot,wherein the receptacle receives a roll of refuse bags, wherein the doormay be closed to enclose the roll within the handle body, and one end ofthe roll may be inserted through the slot for access to the bags fromthe outside, wherein the handle is formed to achieve a locked positionin which the handle forms a closed loop, and an open position in whichthe handle is open at one end, and is operable to be wrapped around afixed article, and then locked around the fixed article; and (b) aharness formed to put on a pet, wherein the harness is adjustable toachieve a snug fit relative to the pet's body using one or moreadjustable elements, wherein the harness is formed so that once theharness has been put on the pet, and attached to the leash portion, theharness is difficult to remove from the pet's body; wherein the pet issafe from theft when the harness is put on the pet, the harness isconnected and locked to the attachment component, and the handle loop islooped around the fixed article and placed in the locked position. 2.The leash system of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a handle body,and the handle includes a loop portion that is fixed at one end to thehandle body and open at the second end but lockable to the handle bodyby means of a lock integral to the handle.
 3. The leash system of claim2, wherein the lock is a combination lock.
 4. The leash system of claim2, wherein the lock is a key lock.
 5. The leash system of claim 2,wherein the loop portion can be looped around the fixed article and theopen end of the loop portion is locked to the handle body so as toachieve the locked position of the handle.
 6. The leash system of claim1, wherein the harness includes a bottom portion adapted to be wrappedunder the belly of the pet, and a top portion connected to the bottomportion by means of two or more straps that are adjustable such that thebottom portion and top portion are adapted to be fitted around the torsoof the pet, wherein the harness includes one or more metal loops thatare led through an opening in the top portion, and once the leashportion is attached to the harness, the metal loops cannot be ledthrough the opening again.
 7. The leash system of claim 6, wherein theharness further includes a rigid portion that prevents the removal ofthe harness.
 8. The leash system of claim 6, wherein the straps areadjustable.
 9. The leash system of claim 1, wherein the handle bodyincorporates a light device and light switch that may be turned on by auser.
 10. The leash system of claim 1, wherein the harness includes alight device for pet safety.
 11. The leash system of claim 1, whereinthe loop and the leash portion each include a cable to resist cutting.